Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1250 R vs Honda Accord
How the BMW R 1250 R and Honda Accord compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
BMW R 1250 R vs Honda Accord: The BMW R 1250 R has 2 complaints over 6 years (0.3/year) and 4 recalls, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 complaints over 10 years (452/year), 38 recalls, 162 crash-related reports, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths. The BMW's few reports involve sudden power loss; the Accord's many reports cover engine, electrical, and collision-avoidance failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1250 R or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1250 R
The BMW R 1250 R is a premium adventure-style motorcycle with very few reported problems: just 2 complaints over 6 years, or about 0.3 per year. The main pattern owners describe is a sudden loss of engine power at highway speed, often accompanied by a check-engine fault. There are no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in this data, but the electrical and speed-control complaints suggest that when something does go wrong, it can happen while riding.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular family sedan and hybrid with a much larger complaint record: 4,524 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 452 per year. Owners report a wide range of issues, from engine and electrical failures to forward-collision avoidance problems, and the data includes 162 crash-related reports, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths. The volume and variety of complaints mean a used Accord buyer should expect to check for several common trouble spots.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1250 R | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
BMW R 1250 R
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
- 03ENGINE1
Owners report the engine suddenly losing power and dropping speed dramatically at highway speeds, along with a check-engine fault that makes the bike run poorly. This matters because a sudden loss of power on a motorcycle can leave you exposed in traffic.
The same highway power-loss incident was also filed under speed control, suggesting the bike may not hold speed or respond predictably when the fault occurs. A buyer should test ride at steady highway speeds and watch for any hesitation or warning lights.
The engine complaint mirrors the electrical issue: sudden power loss and dramatic speed drop while cruising. This points to a possible underlying engine or sensor problem that can strand a rider.
“I WAS ON THE CALIFORNIA FREEWAY I-60 HEADING EAST NEAR CHINO SECTION ON A STEADY 65 MPH IN THE CARPOOL LANE, ENGINE SUDDENLY LOSS POWER AND DROPPING SPEED DRAMATICALLY. I WAS IMMEDIATELY SET THE EMERGENCY FLASH LIGHT AND MOVED TO LEFT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY (NO…”
“Vehicle displays a Check Engine Fault error and then runs poorly.”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe alarms for brake, hill descent, ABS, and critical failure, followed by the vehicle losing speed and being unable to accelerate. Others report rattling noises while accelerating and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These symptoms can mean expensive engine or hybrid-system repairs.
Reports include electronic power steering and braking systems failing and locking up at highway speeds, as well as a tire failure shortly after a TPMS warning was supposedly fixed. Electrical faults on a modern Accord can affect steering, braking, and safety systems.
Owners say the system has failed to resolve a threat, and some describe unexpected behavior with adaptive cruise control set at highway speeds. If the collision-avoidance system does not work as expected, it can reduce the safety margin in everyday driving.
The fuel/propulsion category has 602 complaints, and recall subjects include fuel pump delivery and hybrid power control software. Fuel or hybrid power issues can cause stalling, poor acceleration, or sudden loss of power.
“Vehicle drove normally in the morning commute. In the afternoon commute it started normally and as i approached highway speeds the alarms started showing up. the Brake, hill descent system, abs, critical failure. the vehicle started losing speed and could not…”
“Vehicle makes rattling noises while accelerating similar to a diesel engine also rough transitions between EV mode and Gas mode also when you press the charge button the engine makes a very noticeable jerk once it’s on ,Honda does not want to fix my issue and…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
BMW R 1250 R — 4 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 F900R, F900XR, S1000RR, F750GS, F850GS, F850GS Adventure, R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, R1250RS, R1250R, RnineT, RnineT Pure and RnineT Scrambler and 2019-2020 S1000R motorcycles. The brake light may flash instead of remain steady during emerg…
The risk: A flashing brake light can cause confusion to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owner, and dealers will reprogram the emergency stop signal function, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2020 RnineT Scrambler and RnineT, 2020 R1250R and R1250RS, 2019-2020 Rnine T Pure, R1250GS,R1250GS Adventure and R1250RT and 2018 RnineT Racer motorcycles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid…
The risk: Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Motorcycle Accessory Brake Fluid Reservoir Covers, part numbers 8405-752, 8405-753, 8405-754 and 9829547 designed to fit certain 2019-2020 BMW R 1250 motorcycles, and part numbers 8404-098, 8405-100, 8405-102, and 1542056 designed to fit certain…
The risk: Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 14, 2020. Parts will be available in mid-September 2020 for the recall repairs. Owners may contact BMW customer servi…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 R 1250 RT, R 1250 R, R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure motorcycles. The tire pressure labels may not remain affixed to the motorcycle frame. As a result, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: If the label detaches from the motorcycle, proper tire pressure information may not be readily available. This could result in the rider improperly filling the tires which may affect motorcycle handling and control, increasing the risk of…
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Honda Accord — 38 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the integrated control module (ICM) central processing unit (CPU) may reset while driving, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the ICM CPU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is TN2. Vehicle Identificati…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2026 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2025-2026 CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles. When using the tire repair kit, pressure may build within the sealant bottle, causing the bottle cap to detach.
The risk: A detached bottle cap can become a projectile and strike the user or others nearby, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tire repair kit nozzle or sealant bottle, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipat…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint sys…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura R…
The risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls ar…
Buyer analysis
BMW R 1250 R or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1250 R has far fewer issues per year (about 0.3 complaints/year) compared with the Honda Accord (about 452 complaints/year). In practice, that means a used R 1250 R is likely to have fewer reported problems, but the few it does have can involve sudden power loss at speed. The Accord's much higher complaint volume and crash/injury reports mean buyers should budget more time for inspection and repairs.
Key differences
- The BMW R 1250 R has only 2 complaints over 6 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 complaints over 10 years, a massive difference in reported problem volume.
- The BMW's main reported issue is sudden engine power loss at highway speed, often linked to electrical or speed-control faults.
- The Honda Accord's complaints include electronic power steering and braking lock-up, forward-collision avoidance failures, and engine/hybrid problems.
- The Accord data includes 162 crash-related reports, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths, while the BMW data shows 0 in each of those categories.
- Check for any stored check-engine fault codes and ask if the bike has ever lost power or hesitated at highway speed, since owners report sudden power loss.
- Inspect the electrical system and battery connections, and test ride at steady 65 mph to see if the engine holds speed without warning lights.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking at low and highway speeds, and ask if the car has ever had a TPMS warning followed by a tire failure.
- Check for engine rattles, rough EV-to-gas transitions, and any history of forward-collision or adaptive cruise control warnings.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and any dealer service records, especially for electrical, engine, and safety-system repairs.
- For the BMW R 1250 R, have a mechanic scan for fault codes and test ride at highway speed to check for power loss.
- For the Honda Accord, test the forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and electronic power steering during a test drive.
- Ask specifically about any recalls and whether they were completed, since both vehicles have multiple recall subjects.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection done by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the complaint areas listed above.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | BMW R 1250 R | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 219 |
| 2023 | 0 | 226 |
| 2022 | 1 | 252 |
| 2021 | 0 | 234 |
| 2020 | 1 | 362 |
| 2019 | 0 | 691 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific BMW R 1250 R or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1250 R vs Honda Accord
- BMW R 1250 R total complaints
- 2
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- BMW R 1250 R total recalls
- 4
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- BMW R 1250 R avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1250 R
- BMW R 1250 R top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE